High-performance alkaline water electrolysis using Aemion™ anion exchange membranes

We report the use of all-hydrocarbon anion exchange membranes capable of achieving high current densities through the optimization of MEA fabrication and operating conditions. The electrochemical behaviour of commercially-available Aemion™ anion exchange membranes with various ion-exchange capacities and thicknesses is investigated, and the impact of these properties on electrolyzer performance and short-term stability are discussed. The hydrocarbon anion exchange membrane AF1-HNN8-50, having an ion exchange capacity of 2.1–2.5 meq OH− g−1 and a thickness of 50 μm, was able to achieve current densities of 2 A cm−2 at a potential of 1.82 V using 1 M KOH at 60 °C.